Sustained-release microgranules containging gingko biloba extract and the process for manufacturing these

ABSTRACT

The subject of the present invention is a new stable herbal drug formulation in the form of sustained-release microgranules containing Gingko Biloba extract as well as the process for preparing it.

The subject of the present invention is a new stable formulation in the form of sustained-release microgranules containing Gingko Biloba extract as well as the process for preparing it.

More precisely, the present invention relates to microgranules in the form of a core containing Gingko Biloba extract with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, an intermediate layer coating said core, and an outer layer, which enables sustained release of Gingko Biloba from the core.

Gingko Biloba extract contains flavone glycosides (flavonoids), such as quercetin, kaemferol, isorhamnetin and terpenes (héterosides) such as Bilobadide, ginkgolide A, ginkgolide B, ginkgolide C, ginkgolide J.

Flavonoids are known to have anti Platelet-activiting Factor properties, thus terpenes have corticoid-like, anti-ischaemic properties and are known to be antagonists of peripherical benzodiapine receptors, inducing anti-stress activity.

Powders extracted from plant substances are usually very hygroscopic and they therefore pump moisture from the granules and from the gelatin capsule, which become brittle. This leads to poor stability properties.

Plant extracts have poor flowability and compressibility properties. Thus, formulation of such extracts in the form of sustained release tablets is not possible, as it requires homogeneous mixtures of extracts with pharmaceutical excipients during all compression steps.

WO 00/69414 relates to granules containing at least one plant substance, characterized in that they each comprise a neutral core, which has a grain size of between 200 and 4 000 μm and which is coated with a layer containing the plants substance, combined with a pharmaceutically suitable excipient.

The multiparticulate form of the invention makes it possible to obtain a stable and reproducible sustained release multiparticulate dosage form comprising Gingko Biloba extract, with the advantage of being stable during storage, particularly in accelerated storage conditions, defined in ICH as 40° C. for temperature and 75% for relative humidity.

According to the present invention, the sustained release microgranules contain a Gingko Biloba extract, characterized by the release of total flavone glycosides having the following profile of dissolution rates, measured at 37.0° C.±0.5° C., with a Dissolution Test Apparatus I (Basket method at 100 rpm, 900 mL of purified water, UV Detection: 272 nm) T (h) DISSOLUTION (w/w) 0.5 hour    ≦45% 2 hours <75% 8 hours >60%

More specifically, the sustained release microganules are characterized by the following profile: T (h) Dissolution (w/w) 0.5 hour     5-45% 2 hours 30-70% 8 hours >60%

These granules containing Gingko Biloba extract are further characterized in that they comprise :

-   -   a neutral core coated with a layer containing Gingko Biloba         extract, with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable         excipient,     -   an optionnal water-repellent layer, coating said core,         comprising at least a polymer or a thermoplastic excipient,     -   an outer polymeric layer which sustain the release of said         extract from the active core.

Gingko Biloba extract may be in a concentrated preparation which are liquid, solid or of intermediate consistency, generally obtained from dried plant raw materials, preferably leaves, or in a powder form.

Fluid extracts are liquid preparations of which, in general, a portion by mass or by volume corresponds to a portion by mass of dried raw material. These preparations are adjusted, if necessary, so as to meet the requirements of content of solvents, of constituents or of dry residue.

Soft extracts are preparations having an intermediate consistency between fluid extracts and dry extracts. Soft extracts are prepared by partial evaporation of the solvent which served for their preparation. Only ethanol at an appropriate title or water is used. Soft extracts have in general a dry residue which is not less than 70 per cent by weight. They may contain appropriate antimicrobial preservatives.

Dry extracts are solid preparations obtained by evaporation of the solvent which served for their production. Dry extracts have in general a dry residue which is not less than 95 per cent by weight. Appropriate inert substances may be added.

The plant powders are obtained from whole plants or fragmented or cut plant portions, used as they are, in desiccated form.

Gingko Biloba extracts contain up to 40% by weight of flavonoids, and up 10% by weight of terpenes.

Preferred Gingko Biloba extracts contain 24% by weight of flavonoids and 6% by weight of terpenes.

The neutral core consists of a substance chosen from sugar, starch, mannitol, sorbitol, xylitol, cellulose, talc and mixtures thereof.

The neutral core may also consist of a starch/sucrose core in 80/20 mass ratios which is coated with 80% by weight of starch. In such neutral cores, the proportion by mass of sugar is advantageously less than 20%.

The layer containing the Gingko Biloba extract contains at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, selected from the group comprising a binder, an antistatic agent or a lubricant, preferably a binder.

The binder is selected from the group consisting of cellulosic polymers, such as ethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose and hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, acrylic polymers, such as insoluble acrylate ammoniomethacrylate copolymer, polyacrylate as polymethacrylic copolymer, povidones, copovidones, polyvinylalcohols, shellac, alginic acid, sodium alginate, starch, pregelatinized starch, sucrose and its derivatives, guar gum, polyethylene glycol, preferably polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) or shellac.

The binder is used in proportions of at most about 500%, preferably at most 20% by weight of Gingko Biloba extract.

The antistatic agent, which can be used as flow aid, is selected from the group consisting of micronised or non micronised talc, fumed silica (Aerosilâ R972), colloidal silica (Aerosil® 200), precipitated silica (Syloïd® FP244) and mixtures thereof.

The antistatic agent is used in proportions of at most 5%, preferably 2% by weight relative to the weight of said granules of GB extract.

The lubricant is selected from the group consisting of magnesium stearate, stearic acid, sodium stearyl fumarate, micronised polyoxyethyleneglycol (micronised Macrogol 6000), leukine, sodium benzoate and mixtures thereof.

The amount of lubricant is from 0 to 3%, preferably from 1 to 2% by weight, based on the weight of the granules.

In order to prevent sticking between granules, mainly due to Gingko Biloba extract, it is necessary to optionally apply an intermediate layer between the active layer comprising the Gingko Biloba extract and the polymeric layer ensuring sustained release of said extract.

Said intermediate water-repellent layer comprises at least a polymer or a thermoplastic excipient.

The polymer is selected from the group of binders, preferably PVP.

In the context of the present invention, thermoplastic excipient refers to compounds having a melting point of between 25 and 100° C. and characterized by a pasty to semi-solid consistency at temperature of about 20° C.

The thermoplastic excipient may be chosen from partially hydrogenated oils, beeswax, carnauba wax, paraffin waxes, silicone waxes, C12-C18 fatty alcohols and fatty acids, solid, semi-synthetic glycerides, glycerol monoesters, diesters or triesters, polyoxyethylene glycols and glycosylated polyoxyethylenated glycerides, preferably monostearate glyceride and mixtures thereof.

In order to ensure a sustained dissolution profile of the active substance the granules are coated with a coating composition containing at least one coating agent selected from the group consisting of cellulosic polymers, acrylic polymers, shellac and mixtures thereof.

Among cellulosic polymers, ethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose are advantageously used.

Among acrylic polymers, insoluble acrylate ammonio-methacrylate copolymer (Eudragit® RL100 or RS100 or Eudragit® RL30D or RS30D), polyacrylate (Eudragit®NE30D), or methacrylic copolymers (Eudragit® L100-55 or Eudragit® L30D, Eudragit® E100, Eudragit® EPO) are advantageously used, alone, in combination.

Optionally plasticizers, surfactants, antistatic agents or lubricants are added as coating additives.

The plasticizer is selected in the group consisting of dibutyl sebacate triacetine, triethylacetate, triethylcitrate, ethylphtalate, or mixtures thereof. The plasticizer is used in proportions of at most about 30%, preferably 10% by weight of the coating polymers.

The surfactant may be an anionic, nonionic, cationic or amphoteric surfactant.

The antistatic agent is selected from the group comprising micronised or non micronised talc, fumed silica (Aerosil® R972), colloidal silica (Aerosil® 200), precipitated silica (Syloïd® FP244) and mixtures thereof.

The antistatic agent is used in proportions of at most about 10%, preferably between 0 and 3% by weight, more preferably less than 1% by weight.

The lubricant is selected in the group comprising magnesium stearate, stearic acid, sodium stearyl fumarate, micronized polyoxyethyleneglycol, sodium benzoate and mixtures thereof.

Determination of workable precise proportions in any particular instance will generally be within the capability of the man skilled in the art.

All indicated proportions and relative weight ranges described above are accordingly to be understood as being indicative of preferred or individually inventive teachings only and not as limiting the invention in its broadest aspect.

The present invention also relates to a process for the preparation of the granules described above.

The process according to the invention allows better reproducibility of the proportion.

Microgranules can be manufactured by a number of different processes, for example extrusion-spheronization, fluid air bed process or a coating-pan method.

Extrusion-Spheronization is suitable for pellets with high content of active substance, but need more equipment.

For the manufacture of the granules of the invention, the coating-pan method is preferred, as it requires only simple equipment and operation.

Good sphericity and appropriate size of microgranule benefit to control drug release by coating film and to achieve good stability of the finished product.

The process for the preparation of sustained-release microgranules containing Gingko Biloba extract comprises the successive steps consisting in:

-   -   Applying over a neutral core, a layer comprising Gingko Biloba         extract, and at least one pharmaceutical excipient, preferably a         binder.     -   Coating said core with an intermediate layer over the thus         obtained granules by spraying thereon a suspension, or a         solution comprising a polymer or a thermoplastic excipient     -   Coating the thus coated granules with an outer layer by spraying         a suspension, a dispersion or a solution of a sustained-release         coating composition,     -   Drying the thus obtained coated granules.

In this process, all steps can be performed in different or in the same equipment, each step being performed in the presence of a mixture of excipients which are identical or different.

The prepared coating liquid is either water-based or prepared using organic solvents, preferably isopropylic alcohol. According to an advantageous embodiment, this coating liquid is suitable to be sprayed with conventional spray layering equipment, as for example a coating pan or a fluidized air bed equipped with a top insert or bottom (würster) insert.

According to the process of the invention, the cores are obtained by powder-coating, advantageously carried out by alternately spraying an alcoholic or aqueous-alcoholic solution comprising at least one pharmaceutical excipient, preferably a binder, and the Gingko Biloba extract.

The granules according to the invention are prepared according to coating techniques known in the art, preferably in a pan or in a fluidized air bed.

The invention is illustrated without any limitation by the following examples.

In the examples below, the following excipients are used :

-   -   Ginkgo Biloba extract containing 24% by weight of flavone         glycosides and 6% by weight of terpene): Zhejiang Conba         Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.     -   Neutral cores: NP Pharm     -   PVP K30: Shanghai Huayi economy and trade industry of science         and technology Co.Ltd.     -   Shellac: Alland & Robert     -   Talc Shanghai Tianpin pharmaceutical factory     -   Ethylcellulose: FMC     -   Monostearate glycerides     -   Dibutyl Sebacate

Dissolution Test Method

This method was developed in order to detect release of total flavone glycosides from microgranules containing Gingko Biloba extract.

-   -   Apparatus: Dissolution Test Apparatus I (Basket method)     -   Speed: 100 rpm     -   Volume: 900 mL of purified water     -   Temperature: 37.0° C.±0.5° C.     -   Sampling (mL): 10 ml     -   UV Detection: V at 272 nm

Water Content Assay

Water content is determined using Karl Fischer Water determination.

Content Assay Method

This method was developed in order to assay total flavone glycosides content from microgranules containing Gingko Biloba extract, and specifically assay quercetin, kaemfortol and isohamnetin content from granules.

Source: Chinese Pharmacopeia 2000 Part One, Appendix VI D

-   -   Apparatus: HP 1100 Liquid Chromatograph (including quaternary         pump, UV detector, diode array detector, chemical work station),     -   Chromatographic conditions

HPLC Column: C₁₈ 4,6*250 nm 15 μm Beijing Dima

Mobile Phase: methanol, 0,4% v/v phosphoric acid solution (50/50)

Sampling: 10 μl

UV Detection: 360 nm

EXAMPLE 1

Step 1—drug loading

84 Grams of neutral cores are placed in a coating-pan, A 10% (w/w) binding solution of shellac, dissolved in isopropyl alcohol is prepared, then sprayed over neutral core as Gingko Biloba extract is gradually added at the same time.

Granules are then sieved and dried for 10 hour at 60° C.

Step 2—Intermediate water-repellent coating

4,8 grams of monosterate glycerides are dissolved in isopropyl alcohol at 10% (w/w) and the resulting solution is sprayed over granules from step 1.

Step 3—Sustained-release coating

The thus obtained granules were coated by spraying thereon a water dispersion of Aquacoat ECD30 at 16% (weight/weight) containing dibutyl sebacate as plasticizer (25% versus dry polymer).

The amount of coating was of 8% by weight with respect to the weight of the granules from step 2.

Coated microgranules are then sieved and dried in a coating pan at 65° C. for 10 hours.

The sustained-release microgranules resulting from the process have the following formula (table 1): TABLE 1 Percentage Name of Unit formula ingredients function formula (g) (% w/w) Ginkgo Active 120.0 50.0 extract substance Neutral Cores 84.0 35.0 granules Shellac Binding 9.6 4.0 agent Aquacoat Coating 16.8 7.0 ECD30 agent Dibutyl Plasticiser 4.1 1.7 sebacate Monstearate Water- 4.8 2.0 glyceride repellent agent Talc Antistatic 0.7 0.3 agent Water Solvent qs / Isopropylic Solvent qs / alcohol

The dissolution rates of the thus obtained sustained-release granules were measured with the method described above:

The results are given in the following table 2: T (h) % released (w/w) 1 21.8% 2 36.9% 4 51.5% 8 64.1% 12 70.2%

EXAMPLE 2

Step 1—drug loading

498 grams of neutral cores are placed in a coating-pan.

A 10% (w/w) binding solution of PVP K30, dissolved in isopropyl alcohol is prepared, then sprayed over neutral core as Gingko Biloba extract is gradually added at the same time.

Granules are then sieved and dried for 10 hour at 60° C.

Step 2—Sustained-release coating

A 10% (w/w) coating solution containing 14 grams of shellac in isopropyl alcohol is prepared and sprayed on the microgranules with spraying gun, alternatively with addition of an appropriate quantity of talc.

Coated microgranules are then sieved and dried in a coating pan at 65° C. for 10 hours.

The sustained-release microgranules resulting from the process have the following formula: TABLE 3 Unit Percent formula (g) formula Ginkgo extract 498.0 49.8% Neutral 418.0 41.8% granules PVP K30 20.0   2% Shellac 14.0  1.4% Talc 50.0   5% Isopropylic Qs a.q. alcohol

The dissolution rates of total flavone glycosides from the sustained-release granules were measured according to the Chinese Pharmacopeia method:

The results are given in following TABLE 4 T (h) % released (w/w) 1 20.7% 2 38.1% 4 54.4% 8 62.3% 12 69.1%

EXAMPLE 3

Sustained release microgranules comprising Gingko Biloba are prepared according the process of example to example 2 (see table 5): TABLE 5 Percentage Name of Unit formula ingredients function formula (g) (% w/w) Ginkgo Active 120 49.8 extract substance Neutral Cores 101 41.8 granules PVP K30 Binding agent 4.82 2 Shellac Coating agent 3.37 1.4 Talc Antistatic 12.1 5 agent Isopropylic Solvent qs / alcohol

Microgranules thus obtained are encapsulated in hard-gelatin capsules, each containing 120 mg of Gingko Biloba extract, said capsules being packed in PVC/Alu blisters.

Stability of the resulting product was tested in long term conditions (25° C.±2° C./HR 60%±10%) and in accelerated conditions (40° C.±2° C./HR 75%±5%), as defined by ICH.

Results are summarized in tables 6 and 7.

Conclusion: After 3 months, results comply with specifications. The microgranules remain stable in both storage conditions.

Ginko Biloba Capsula 120mg Accelerate Stability Study

TABLE 6 Test results (40° C. ± 2° C./HR 75% ± 5%) Water Ratio of Peak Total Flavone Terpene Time Content Area Glycocides Dissolution (%) Lactone (Month) (%) Appearance quercetin/kae content 0.5 h 2 h 8 h content <9.0 Grey-yellow to dark 0.8-1.5 >>28.80 <45 <75 >60 / brown spherical pellets 0 0.76 Passed 1.34 30.79 23.9 54.5 71.4 17.16 1 1.78 Passed 1.33 30.91 20.7 48.1 70.7 17.05 2 1.75 Passed 1.33 31.21 20.2 48.9 73.3 17.10 3 2.41 Passed 1.34 31.14 21.4 48.8 70.1 16.89 * specifications in bold characters

Ginko Biloba Capsula 120mg Long Term Stability Study

TABLE 7 Test results (25° C. ± 2° C./HR 60% ± 10%) Ratio of Peak Total Flavone Water Area of Glycocides TerpeneLactone Time Content Flavonol content Dissolution (%) content (Month) (%) Appearance Aglucon (mg/capsule) 0.5 h 2 h 8 h (mg/capsule) <9.0 Grey-yellow to dark brown 0.8-1.5 >>28.80 <45 <75 >60 / spherical pellets 0 0.76 Passed 1.34 30.79 23.9 54.5 71.4 17.16 1 1.21 Passed 1.35 31.16 26.4 54.7 70.9 17.10 2 1.75 Passed 1.34 31.88 26.0 55.4 79.2 17.04 3 1.94 Passed 1.34 31.40 26.0 55.3 75.0 17.00 * specifications in bold characters

Revendications

1. Sustained release microgranules containing a Gingko Biloba extract, characterized by the release of total flavone glycosides having the following profile of dissolution rates measured at 37.0° C.±0.5° C., with a Dissolution Test Apparatus I (Basket method at 100 rpm, 900 mL of purified water UV Detection: 272 nm): T (h) DISSOLUTION (w/w) 0.5 hour    ≦45% 2 hours <75% 8 hours >60%

2. Sustained release microgranules according to claim 1, characterized by the following profile: T (h) Dissolution (w/w) 0.5 hour     5-45% 2 hours 30-70% 8 hours >60%

-   3. Sustained release microgranules according to one of claims 1 and     2, characterized in that they comprise:     -   a neutral core coated with a layer containing Gingko Biloba         extract with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient,     -   an optional water-repellent layer, coating said core, comprising         at least a polymer or a thermoplastic excipient,     -   an outer polymeric layer which sustain the release of said         extract from the active core. -   4. Sustained release microgranules according to anyone of claims 1     to 3, characterized in that the neutral core consists of a substance     chosen from sugar, starch, mannitol, sorbitol, xylitol, cellulose,     talc and mixtures thereof. -   5. Sustained release microgranules according to claim 4,     characterized in that the neutral core consists of a starch/sucrose     core in 80/20 mass ratios. -   6. Sustained release microgranules according to anyone of claims 1     to 5, characterized in that the Gingko Biloba extract contains up to     40% by weight of flavonoids, and up to 10% by weight of terpenes. -   7. Sustained release microgranules according to claim 6,     characterized in that the Gingko Biloba extract preferably contains     up to 24% by weight of flavonoids, and up to 6% by weight of     terpenes. -   8. Sustained release microgranules according to anyone of claims 3     to 7, characterized in that the layer containing the Gingko Biloba     extract contains at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient,     selected from the group comprising a binder, an antistatic agent or     a lubricant, preferably a binder. -   9. Sustained release microgranules according to claim 8,     characterized in that the binder is selected from the group     consisting of cellulosic polymers, such as ethylcellulose,     hydroxypropylcellulose and hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, acrylic     polymers, such as insoluble acrylate ammoniomethacrylate copolymer,     polyacrylate as polymethacrylic copolymer, povidones, copovidones,     polyvinylalcohols, shellac, alginic acid, sodium alginate, starch,     pregelatinized starch, sucrose and its derivatives, guar gum,     polyethylene glycol, preferably polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) or     shellac. -   10. Sustained release microgranules according to claim 9,     characterized in that the binder is used in proportions of at most     about 50%, preferably at most 20% by weight of Gingko Biloba     extract. -   11. Sustained release microgranules according to anyone of claims 8     to 10, characterized in that the antistatic agent, which can be used     as flow aid, is selected from the group consisting of micronised or     non micronised talc, fumed silica, colloidal silica, precipitated     silica and mixtures thereof. -   12. Sustained release microgranules according to claim 11,     characterized in that the antistatic agent is used in proportions of     at most 5%, preferably 2% by weight relative to the weight of said     granules of Gingko Biloba. -   13. Sustained release microgranules according to anyone of claims 8     to 12, characterized in that the lubricant is selected from the     group consisting of magnesium stearate, stearic acid, sodium stearyl     fumarate, micronised polyoxyethyleneglycol, leukine, sodium benzoate     and mixtures thereof. -   14. Sustained release microgranules according to claim 13,     characterized in that the amount oflubricant is from 0 to 3%,     preferably from 1 to 2% by weight, based on the weight of the     granules. -   15. Sustained release microgranules according to anyone of claims 3     to 14, characterized in that the intermediate water-repellent layer     comprises at least a polymer or a thermoplastic excipient. -   16. Sustained release microgranules according to claim 15,     characterized in that the polymer is selected from the group     consisting of cellulosic polymers, such as ethylcellulose,     hydroxypropylcellulose and hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, acrylic     polymers, such as insoluble acrylate ammoniomethacrylate copolymer,     polyacrylate as polymethacrylic copolymer, povidones, copovidones,     polyvinylalcohols, shellac, alginic acid, sodium alginate, starch,     pregelatinized starch, sucrose and its derivatives, guar gum,     polyethylene glycol, preferably polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) or     shellac. -   17. Sustained release microgranules according to anyone of claims 3     to 16, characterized in that the outer polymeric layer contains at     least one coating agent selected from the group consisting of     cellulosic polymers, acrylic polymers, shellac and mixtures thereof. -   18. Sustained release microgranules according to claim 17,     characterized in that the cellulosic polymer is selected among     ethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose and/or     hydroxypropylmethylcellulose. -   19. Sustained release microgranules according to claim 17,     characterized in that the acrylic polymer is selected from insoluble     acrylate ammonio-methacrylate copolymer, polyacrylate, or     methacrylic copolymers, and combinations thereof. -   20. Sustained release microgranules according to claim 19,     characterized in that the outer polymeric layer additionally     contains a plasticizer, a surfactant, an antistatic agent and/or a     lubricant. -   21. Sustained release microgranules according to claim 20,     characterized in that the plasticizer is selected in the group     consisting of dibutyl sebacate, triacetine, triethylacetate,     triethylcitrate, ethylphtalate, or mixtures thereof. -   22. Sustained release microgranules according to claim 21,     characterized in that the plasticizer is used in proportions of at     most about 30%, preferably 10% by weight of the coating polymers. -   23. Sustained release microgranules according to anyone of claims 8     to 22, characterized in that the antistatic agent is selected from     the group comprising micronised or non micronised talc, fumed     silica, colloidal silica, precipitated silica and mixtures thereof. -   24. Sustained release microgranules according to claim 23,     characterized in that the antistatic agent is used in proportions of     at most about 10%, preferably between 0 and 3% by weight, more     preferably less than 1% by weight. -   25. Process for the preparation of sustained release microgranules     according to anyone of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that it     comprises the successive steps consisting of:     -   applying over a neutral core, a layer comprising Gingko Biloba         extract, and at least one pharmaceutical excipient, preferably a         binder.     -   coating said core with an intermediate layer over the thus         obtained granules by spraying thereon a suspension, or a         solution comprising a polymer or a thermoplastic excipient     -   coating the thus coated granules with an outer layer by spraying         a suspension, a dispersion or a solution of a sustained-release         coating composition,     -   drying the thus obtained coated granules. -   26. Process for the preparation of sustained release microgranules     according to claim 25, characterized in that the layer is applied     over the neutral cores by spraying a coating alcoholic or aqueous     alcoholic solution containing the Gingko Biloba extracts and the     excipient. -   27. Process for the preparation of sustained release microgranules     according to claim 26, characterized in that the alcoholic or     aqueous alcoholic solution contains isopropylic alcohol. -   28. Process for the preparation of sustained release microgranules     according to claim 26, characterized in that the layer applied over     the neutral cores is a 10% w/w binding solution of shellac dissolved     in isopropyl alcohol. -   29. Process for the preparation of sustained release microgranules     according to anyone of claims 25 to 28, characterized in that the     outer coating layer is a water dispersion of ethylcellulose at 16%     w/w containing 25% w/w of dibutyl sebacate versus dry polymer. 

1-29. (canceled)
 30. Sustained release microgranules containing a Gingko Biloba extract, wherein the release of total flavone glycosides having the following profile of dissolution rates measured at 37.0° C.±0.5° C., with a Dissolution Test Apparatus I (Basket method at 100 rpm, 900 mL of purified water UV Detection: 272 nm): T (h) DISSOLUTION (w/w) 0.5 hour    ≦45% 2 hours <75% 8 hours >60%


31. Sustained release microgranules according to claim 30, wherein the profile is as follows: T (h) Dissolution (w/w) 0.5 hour  5-45% 2 hours 30-70% 8 hours >60%


32. Sustained release microgranules according to claim 30 comprising: a neutral core coated with a layer containing Gingko Biloba extract with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, an optional water-repellent layer, coating said core, comprising at least a polymer or a thermoplastic excipient, an outer polymeric layer which sustain the release of said extract from the active core.
 33. Sustained release microgranules according to claim 32, wherein the neutral core consists of a substance chosen from sugar, starch, mannitol, sorbitol, xylitol, cellulose, talc and mixtures thereof.
 34. Sustained release microgranules according to claim 33, wherein the neutral core consists of a starch/sucrose core in 80/20 mass ratios.
 35. Sustained release microgranules according to claim 30, wherein the Gingko Biloba extract contains up to 40% by weight of flavonoids, and up to 10% by weight of terpenes.
 36. Sustained release microgranules according to claim 35, wherein the Gingko Biloba extract preferably contains up to 24% by weight of flavonoids, and up to 6% by weight of terpenes.
 37. Sustained release microgranules according to claim 32, wherein the layer containing the Gingko Biloba extract contains at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, selected from the group comprising a binder, an antistatic agent or a lubricant.
 38. Sustained release microgranules according to claim 37, wherein the binder is selected from the group consisting of cellulosic polymers, acrylic polymers, polyacrylate, povidones, copovidones, polyvinylalcohols, shellac, alginic acid, sodium alginate, starch, pregelatinized starch, sucrose and its derivatives, guar gum, polyethylene glycol.
 39. Sustained release microgranules according to claim 38, wherein the binder is used in proportions of at most about 50% by weight of Gingko Biloba extract.
 40. Sustained release microgranules according to claim 37, wherein the antistatic agent, which can be used as flow aid, is selected from the group consisting of micronised or non micronised talc, fumed silica, colloidal silica, precipitated silica and mixtures thereof.
 41. Sustained release microgranules according to claim 40, wherein the antistatic agent is used in proportions of at most 5% by weight relative to the weight of said granules of Gingko Biloba.
 42. Sustained release microgranules according to claim 37, wherein the lubricant is selected from the group consisting of magnesium stearate, stearic acid, sodium stearyl fumarate, micronised polyoxyethyleneglycol, leukine, sodium benzoate and mixtures thereof.
 43. Sustained release microgranules according to claim 42, wherein the amount of lubricant is from 0 to 3% by weight, based on the weight of the granules.
 44. Sustained release microgranules according to claim 32, wherein the intermediate water-repellent layer comprises at least a polymer or a thermoplastic excipient.
 45. Sustained release microgranules according to claim 44, wherein the polymer is selected from the group consisting of cellulosic polymers, acrylic polymers, polyacrylate, povidones, copovidones, polyvinylalcohols, shellac, alginic acid, sodium alginate, starch, pregelatinized starch, sucrose and its derivatives, guar gum, polyethylene glycol.
 46. Sustained release microgranules according to claim 32, wherein the outer polymeric layer contains at least one coating agent selected from the group consisting of cellulosic polymers, acrylic polymers, shellac and mixtures thereof.
 47. Sustained release microgranules according to claim 46, wherein the cellulosic polymer is selected among ethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose and/or hydroxypropylmethylcellulose.
 48. Sustained release microgranules according to claim 46, wherein the acrylic polymer is selected from insoluble acrylate ammonio-methacrylate copolymer, polyacrylate, or methacrylic copolymers, and combinations thereof.
 49. Sustained release microgranules according to claim 48, wherein the outer polymeric layer additionally contains a plasticizer, a surfactant, an antistatic agent and/or a lubricant.
 50. Sustained release microgranules according to claim 49, wherein the plasticizer is selected in the group consisting of dibutyl sebacate, triacetine, triethylacetate, triethylcitrate, ethylphtalate, or mixtures thereof.
 51. Sustained release microgranules according to claim 50, wherein the plasticizer is used in proportions of at most about 30% by weight of the coating polymers.
 52. Sustained release microgranules according to claim 37, wherein the antistatic agent is selected from the group comprising micronised or non micronised talc, fumed silica, colloidal silica, precipitated silica and mixtures thereof.
 53. Sustained release microgranules according to claim 52, wherein the antistatic agent is used in proportions of at most about 10%, by weight.
 54. Process for the preparation of sustained release microgranules according to claim 30, comprising the successive steps consisting of: applying over a neutral core, a layer comprising Gingko Biloba extract, and at least one pharmaceutical excipient. coating said core with an intermediate layer over the thus obtained granules by spraying thereon a suspension, or a solution comprising a polymer or a thermoplastic excipient coating the thus coated granules with an outer layer by spraying a suspension, a dispersion or a solution of a sustained-release coating composition, drying the thus obtained coated granules.
 55. Process for the preparation of sustained release microgranules according to claim 31, comprising the successive steps consisting of: applying over a neutral core, a layer comprising Gingko Biloba extract, and at least one pharmaceutical excipient. coating said core with an intermediate layer over the thus obtained granules by spraying thereon a suspension, or a solution comprising a polymer or a thermoplastic excipient coating the thus coated granules with an outer layer by spraying a suspension, a dispersion or a solution of a sustained-release coating composition, drying the thus obtained coated granules.
 56. Process for the preparation of sustained release microgranules according to claim 32, comprising the successive steps consisting of: applying over a neutral core, a layer comprising Gingko Biloba extract, and at least one pharmaceutical excipient. coating said core with an intermediate layer over the thus obtained granules by spraying thereon a suspension, or a solution comprising a polymer or a thermoplastic excipient coating the thus coated granules with an outer layer by spraying a suspension, a dispersion or a solution of a sustained-release coating composition, drying the thus obtained coated granules.
 57. Process for the preparation of sustained release microgranules according to claim 54, wherein the layer is applied over the neutral cores by spraying a coating alcoholic or aqueous alcoholic solution containing the Gingko Biloba extracts and the excipient.
 58. Process for the preparation of sustained release microgranules according to claim 57, wherein the alcoholic or aqueous alcoholic solution contains isopropylic alcohol.
 59. Process for the preparation of sustained release microgranules according to claim 57, wherein the layer applied over the neutral cores is a 10% w/w binding solution of shellac dissolved in isopropyl alcohol.
 60. Process for the preparation of sustained release microgranules according to claim 54, wherein the outer coating layer is a water dispersion of ethylcellulose at 16% w/w containing 25% w/w of dibutyl sebacate versus dry polymer. 